The Administration has reviewed a February 4, 2000, manager's amendment to
S. 1287 and understands that this amendment will be brought to the Senate
floor. Unfortunately, this amendment undermines EPA's existing statutory
authority to set standards to protect public health and the environment
from radioactive releases; therefore, it is unacceptable to the
Administration. Although the amendment appears to allow EPA to exercise
its existing authority to set appropriate radiation release standards for
the Yucca Mountain repository, it will allow another entity to block EPA's
authority until June 1, 2001. Consequently, if the February 4, 2000,
manager's amendment to S. 1287 is approved by the Senate and a bill with
these provisions is presented to the President, the President will veto the
bill.

The bill also contains unrealistic and unworkable milestones; insufficient
funding mechanisms to pay for both the Yucca Mountain scientific program
and the "take title" provisions; and burdensome and unworkable
transportation provisions that do not provide a commensurate improvement in
safety.